Nurses strut their stuff

By Trudy Simpson, Staff Reporter

The outfit at left, modelled by Nurse Lori-Gayle Allen, was deemed inappropriate for nurses. The Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ) has urged its members to look smart and professional even when off the job. The outfit was among others shown during Wednesday's modelling session organised by the NAJ and held at Stephanie Hall, Holy Childhood High School, Kingston. At right Nurse Karlene Whyte wears one version of what is considered an appropriate uniform. - Junior Dowie

IT'S THE little things that can ruin an image. That was one of the lessons learned Wednesday as some nurses strutted their stuff on the runway of Stephanie Hall, Holy Childhood High School, all with the aim of reminding their colleagues that what's 'hot' may not necessarily be what's appropriate.

The 'professional' look was stressed as, one by one, volunteer nurses demonstrated what comprised appropriate 'modern' and 'roomy' uniforms, one even sporting what looked like white cargo pants, and ideal scrubs (garments worn mostly in theatre).

The 'models' also wore the 'No Nos' - those body hugging, panty showing models, which had scores of onlookers laughing, especially when the outfits were accessorised by crater sized creases from not being ironed, torn stockings, dirty shoes, unravelling hem lines, gaudy, mismatched jewelry and missing nursing caps.

"It's also becoming unpopular for nurses to wear hats but you should wear them", the Master of Ceremonies intoned, to strong agreement and applause from the audience, which comprised students from nursing schools islandwide, nursing veterans and other members of the profession.

As the evening wore on, the NAJ took their message one step further, using the opportunity to emphasise that nurses must also look "smart yet attractive" when off duty, despite arguments that the NAJ is infringing on nurses personal rights by its request.

With an array of casual and formal outfits, the NAJ also stressed that nurses "represent (the nursing profession) wherever they are", said Sharon Brown-Brotherton, NAJ recording secretary and a candidate for Nurse of the Year.

Nursing student of the Year, Colleen Kerr, agreed. "Nursing is a very noble profession and in society a lot of people look up to nurses. We are supposed to be role models,' said Ms. Kerr, a second-year student at the Cornwall School of Nursing in Montego Bay, St. James.

An outfit comprising a tight, sleeveless camouflaged top, knee high boots and skirt that seemed glued to the body raised eyebrows and was quite popular with the audience but was put forward as being 'much too revealing' and uncomfortable.

Another sleeveless outfit boasted thigh high slits and appeared tight on its wearer. It, too, was seen as a no-no and was juxtaposed with a simple, long sleeved blouse and jeans pants.

"We are not really dictating what they should wear. We are asking that they act as professionals in the way they dress so people do not point fingers at the profession based on the way they dress", explained NAJ president, Iris Wilson.

Thirty-year nursing veteran, Lilieth Jenkins, agreed, stating the modelling session "was relevant (because) it also reminds us that we should dress properly".

Nursing student at Northern Caribbean University in Manchester, Pamella Allen, also agreed but for a different reason. "You can be called at any time, whether in or out of uniform", said Ms. Allen.

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